E.T. Atari game excavation begins April 26

Excavation of the landfill that serves as the long-rumored E.T. the Extra-terrestrial video game burial site will begin on April 26, 2014, Microsoft announced. Though the excavation will likely be included as part of the Xbox-exclusive documentary series, public spectators are invited to watch the team uncover the infamous Atari game cartridge grave.

"The Atari Corporation – faced with overwhelmingly negative response to the “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” video game – allegedly disposed of millions of unsold game cartridges by burying them in the small town of Alamogordo, New Mexico in 1983," Microsoft explained. "Fuel Entertainment took an interest in the legend, and in December 2013, with help from local garbage contractor Joe Lewandowski, acquired the exclusive rights to excavate the Alamogordo landfill. Fuel Entertainment brought the opportunity to Xbox Entertainment Studios, and now, as part of a documentary series (developed by Xbox Entertainment Studios and two-time Academy Award winning producer Simon Chinn and Emmy winning producer Jonathan Chinn, through their multi-platform media company, Lightbox), the team will excavate the legendary New Mexico landfill to reveal the true story of Atari’s bizarre burial."

The excavation will take place at the Alamogordo Landfill on Saturday, April 26, 2014. It begins at 9:30am and lasts until 7:30pm.